Ask Joe: Why $600,000 to Paint the Governor's Mansion ?

Question:From the Ask Joe File one of our viewers has a question about a big project in Carson City that you and I are paying for.Richard wilde wrote in asking why we are paying more than $600,000 to paint the Governor's Mansion ?

Answer: It does sound like a lot of money. I checked wth Leslie Henry in the state budget office. She says this money was approved as part of the 2013-2015 Capital Improvement Project Budget. It was approved by the state public works board, the Governor and the legislature: Here's how the project breaks down :There are six buildings including the Governor's Mansion on the grounds in Carson City for a total of 22,000 square feet that will be repainted and weatherized. The total cost will be $609,000. Of that, $60,000 will pay for design and supervision.$38,000 will be paid to the state public works department to cover the cost of inspections and permits.The project was first introduced in 2000 but not approved until this year. The public works department says if they put it off any longer they're afraid the costs will increase because of added repairs that would be needed. Also, while it is a lot of money the Governor's Mansion is considered a tourist attraction and its also used for many special events. No word yet on the when the work will be done.

It has to be done. Do you want our State Capitol be known as trashy looking? Nevada has to keep up with the rest of the states. DUH!! Have to keep up our tourism too because it's Nevada's income. Can't believe someone asked about that.